Fine particle separating apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a fine particle separating apparatus comprising: a first filter part having a first mesh part, mounted therein, for separating fine particles included in sludge according to size, and having a first section and a second section with the first mesh part therebetween; a first flow path mounted in the first section so as to allow the sludge to flow into the first filter part; a second flow path mounted in the second section so as to allow an effluent, having passed through the first filter part, to flow therein; a third flow path connected from the second flow path so as to discharge the effluent to the outside; a fourth flow path connected from one side of the second flow path, and mounted in the second section so as to allow at least a portion of the effluent flowing into the second flow path to flow to the first filter part; a fifth flow path mounted in the first section so as to allow the effluent, discharged by means of the fourth flow path, to pass through the first filter part and then flow therein; a storage tank through which the effluent flowing into the fifth flow path is discharged; and a first pump for generating a flow of the effluent, wherein the first mesh part is rotatably mounted in the first filter part.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fine particle separating apparatus,and, more particularly, to a fine particle separating apparatus capableof separating fine particles of various sizes, which are present in ariver and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, water pollution refers to a condition in which water in awater body becomes unsuitable for its intended use as the amount ofpollutants released to the water body is beyond the self-purificationcapacity of the water body. Water pollution due to inflow of organicmaterials matters little, whereas risks from eutrophication and toxicsubstances have emerged as social issues. Among various types ofenvironmental pollution, the most frequent and important issue isdeterioration in water quality in water supply sources.

Eutrophication is a phenomenon that occurs as inflow of nutrient saltsin domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, and livestock waste into awater system increases and specific species of algae proliferate andform a mass on the surface of the water. During eutrophication, water inthe water system is supersaturated with oxygen dissolved in surfacelayers thereof by photosynthesis of a large amount of blue-green algaeduring the daytime, and transparency of the water significantlydecreases to 1.5 m or less.

Here, algae are organisms that are not differentiated into roots, stems,and leaves and do not have vascular bundles used as a pathway formetabolites, such as xylem and phloem, despite containing chlorophyll-aand performing photosynthesis in the same way that plants do. Algae areclassified by size into microalgae, which are single-celled and areobservable under a microscope, and macroalgae, which are multi-celledand are observable with the naked eye, wherein microalgae are alsocalled phytoplankton. Microalgae have various shapes and are complex toclassify, as compared with organisms belonging to other taxa, and thusare not easily generalized. Microalgae are known to have a size orlength of 10 μm.

On the other hand, according to phylogenetic criteria, algae areclassified into: blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which areprokaryotes, lacking a distinct membrane-bound nucleus; and algaebelonging to eukaryotes, containing a distinct membrane-bound nucleus.Blue-green algae are known to cause various environmental problems bycreating water blooms in eutrophic lakes and rivers. In addition,blue-green algae cause various problems, including a risk to safety ofdrinking water sources due to toxins thereof and the death of otheraquatic organisms due to depletion of oxygen caused by death thereof.

As phytoplankton, that is, a mass of algae, proliferates, the color ofwater changes. In freshwater bodies, this phenomenon is variously calledalgal bloom, water bloom, or green tide.

As described above, species of algae causing most green tides includeMicrocystis, Anabaena, and Oscillatoria and belong to blue-green algae,which are taxonomically prokaryotes. These species cause variousenvironmental problems, such as forming into a mass on the surface ofwater, causing taste and odor in drinking water, and blockingprecipitated sand in a water purification plant.

Occurrence of algae in a lake due to eutrophication causes waterpollution in the lake. Moreover, over time, dead algae settle to thebottom of the lake, decay, release total phosphorus (TP) into the lake,and rise again to the water surface with rising water temperature,causing permanent eutrophication.

In Korea, a short-term method in which yellow soil is spread onmicroalgae to sink the microalgae out of sight has mainly been used.However, this method is less effective in sinking green-tide algaeoccurring in freshwater systems than in sinking red-tide algae occurringin seawater bodies.

In order to overcome such a problem, various apparatuses and methodshave been developed. For example, Korean Patent Laid-open PublicationNo. 2010-0091053 (published on Aug. 18, 2010) discloses a water qualityimprovement apparatus of stagnant water and Korean Patent Laid-openPublication No. 10-2017-0030353 (published on Mar. 17, 2017) discloses awater circulation system for removing water bloom.

However, the former has a problem of difficulty in thoroughly removingwater pollutants, and the latter has a problem of lacking a means toremove water pollutants which fill a water treatment agent, such assilicate, during the removal process.

In addition, both the former and the latter have a problem in that waterpollutants, such as green algae, are likely to stick to a propeller of apump or to a power source, causing non-uniform rotation and malfunctionthereof.

Accordingly, there is a need for a pump system which can thoroughlyremove water pollutants such as green algae while allowing long-termoperation of a green tide removal apparatus and prevention of damage tothe apparatus due to the water pollutants.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The present invention is aimed at providing a fine particle separatingapparatus that includes a filter including a rotary mesh and having tworegions with the mesh placed therebetween, in which the two regions areprovided with a flow path allowing an effluent to flow into the filtertherethrough and a flow path receiving the effluent having passedthrough the filter, respectively, thereby preventing the mesh from beingclogged by fine particles and thus allowing continuous operation withoutinterruption for cleaning purposes.

In addition, the present invention is aimed at providing a fine particleseparating apparatus that includes a filter including a mesh and a bladeassembly, at least a portion of which is rotatably mounted on the mesh,the filter having two regions with the mesh placed therebetween, inwhich the two regions are provided with a flow path allowing an effluentto flow into the filter therethrough and a flow path receiving theeffluent having passed through the filter, respectively, therebypreventing the mesh from being clogged by fine particles and thusallowing continuous operation without interruption for cleaningpurposes.

Technical Solution

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a fine particleseparating apparatus that can selectively separate fine particlespresent in rivers and the like in mixed form while preventing a meshfrom being clogged by the fine particles and thus allowing continuousoperation thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fine particleseparating apparatus includes: a first filter including a first meshseparating fine particles contained in sludge according to size, thefirst filter having a first region and a second region with the firstmesh placed therebetween; a first flow path mounted in the first regionto allow the sludge to flow into the first filter therethrough; a secondflow path mounted in the second region to receive an effluent havingpassed through the first filter; a third flow path connected to thesecond flow path to discharge the effluent from the fine particleseparating apparatus therethrough; a fourth flow path connected to oneside of the second flow path and mounted in the second region to allowat least a portion of the effluent flowing into the second flow path toflow into the first filter therethrough; a fifth flow path mounted inthe first region to receive the effluent discharged from the fourth flowand having passed through the first filter; a reservoir receiving theeffluent discharged from the fifth flow path; and a first pump creatinga flow of the effluent, wherein the first mesh is rotatably mounted onthe first filter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a fineparticle separating apparatus includes: a first filter including a firstmesh separating fine particles contained in sludge according to size anda blade assembly passing through at least a portion of the first mesh,the first filter having a first region and a second region with thefirst mesh placed therebetween; a first flow path mounted in the firstregion to allow the sludge to flow into the first filter therethrough; asecond flow path mounted in the second region to receive an effluenthaving passed through the first filter; a third flow path connected tothe second flow path to discharge the effluent from the fine particleseparating apparatus therethrough; a fourth flow path connected to oneside of the second flow path and mounted in the second region to allowat least a portion of the effluent flowing into the second flow path toflow into the first filter therethrough; a fifth flow path mounted inthe first region to receive the effluent discharged from the fourth flowand having passed through the first filter; a reservoir receiving theeffluent discharged from the fifth flow path; and a first pump creatinga flow of the effluent, wherein at least portion of the blade assemblyis rotatably mounted on a surface of the first mesh.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a fineparticle separating apparatus includes: a first filter including a firstmesh separating fine particles contained in sludge according to size,the first filter having a first region and a second region with thefirst mesh placed therebetween; a first flow path mounted in the firstregion to allow the sludge to flow into the first filter therethrough; asixth flow path mounted at both ends thereof in the second region toreceive the effluent having passed through the first filter and to allowthe effluent to flow back into the first filter therethrough; a fifthflow path mounted in the first region to receive the effluent dischargedfrom the sixth flow path and having passed through the first filter; areservoir receiving the effluent discharged from the fifth flow path;and a first pump creating a flow of the effluent, wherein the first meshis rotatably mounted on the first filter.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a fineparticle separating apparatus includes: a first filter including a firstmesh separating fine particles contained in sludge according to size anda blade assembly passing through at least a portion of the first mesh,the first filter having a first region and a second region with thefirst mesh placed therebetween; a first flow path mounted in the firstregion to allow the sludge to flow into the first filter therethrough; asixth flow path mounted at both ends thereof in the second region toreceive the effluent having passed through the first filter and to allowthe effluent to flow back into the first filter therethrough; a fifthflow path mounted in the first region and adapted to receive theeffluent discharged from the sixth flow path and having passed throughthe first filter; a reservoir receiving the effluent discharged from thefifth flow path; and a first pump creating a flow of the effluent,wherein at least portion of the blade assembly is rotatably mounted on asurface of the first mesh.

Advantageous Effects

The present invention provides a fine particle separating apparatus thatincludes a filter including a rotary mesh and having two regions withthe mesh placed therebetween, in which the two regions are provided witha flow path allowing an effluent to flow into the filter therethroughand a flow path receiving the effluent having passed through the filter,respectively, thereby preventing the mesh from being clogged by fineparticles and thus allowing continuous operation without interruptionfor cleaning purposes.

In addition, the present invention provides a fine particle separatingapparatus that includes a filter including a mesh and a blade assembly,at least a portion of which is rotatably mounted on the mesh, the filterhaving two regions with the mesh placed therebetween, in which the tworegions are provided with a flow path allowing an effluent to flow intothe filter therethrough and a flow path receiving the effluent havingpassed through the filter, respectively, thereby preventing the meshfrom being clogged by fine particles and thus allowing continuousoperation without interruption for cleaning purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are exploded perspective views of a first filteraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are views of a housing of the first filter accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 15 are diagrams of fine particle separating apparatusesaccording to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary use of the fine particle separatingapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 are diagrams of fine particle separating apparatusesaccording to yet other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 are diagrams of fine particle separating apparatusesaccording to yet other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

It should be understood that the present invention may be embodied indifferent ways and is not limited to the following embodiments, whichare provided for complete disclosure and thorough understanding of thepresent invention by those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, regionor substrate is referred to as being placed “above (or below)” or “on(or under)” another element, it can be directly placed on the otherelement, or intervening layer(s) may also be present. Herein, spatiallyrelative terms such as “upper” and “lower” are defined with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Thus, it will be understood that the term“upper surface” can be used interchangeably with the term “lowersurface”, according to a reference orientation.

Like components will be denoted by like reference numerals throughoutthe specification. As used herein, the singular forms, “a” and “an” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “fine particles” may refer to not onlymicroorganisms such as algae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria, but alsoparticles that can be filtered by a first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400according to one embodiment of the present invention, such as sand,precious metals, and the like on a river bed.

As used herein, the term “effluent” is not limited to an effluentpassing through a specific flow path, and may refer to any fluid thatpasses through second to seventh flow paths 12 to 17 after sludgecontaining fine particles having flowed into the first filter 100, 200,300 or 400 through a first flow path 11 passes through the first filter100, 200, 300 or 400.

As used herein, the term “first filter” may refer to a filter on whichthe first flow path 11, the second flow path 12, the fourth flow path14, and the fifth flow path 15 are all mounted, or a filter on which thefirst flow path 11, the fifth flow path 15, and the sixth flow path 16are all mounted.

As used herein, the term “reservoir” is a place into which an effluenthaving flowed into the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 through thefirst flow path 11 flows through the fifth flow path 15, and may referto a separate storage space or may refer to a river, the sea, or theground.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a fine particle separating apparatus including: a first filterincluding a first mesh separating fine particles contained in sludgeaccording to size, the first filter having a first region and a secondregion with the first mesh placed therebetween; a first flow pathmounted in the first region to allow the sludge to flow into the firstfilter therethrough; a second flow path mounted in the second region toreceive an effluent having passed through the first filter; a third flowpath connected to the second flow path to discharge the effluent fromthe fine particle separating apparatus therethrough; a fourth flow pathconnected to one side of the second flow path and mounted in the secondregion to allow at least a portion of the effluent flowing into thesecond flow path to flow into the first filter therethrough; a fifthflow path mounted in the first region to receive the effluent dischargedfrom the fourth flow and having passed through the first filter; areservoir receiving the effluent discharged from the fifth flow path;and a first pump creating a flow of the effluent, wherein the first meshis rotatably mounted on the first filter.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a fine particle separating apparatus including: a first filterincluding a first mesh separating fine particles contained in sludgeaccording to size and a blade assembly rotatably mounted on a surface ofthe first mesh, the first filter having a first region and a secondregion with the first mesh placed therebetween; a first flow pathmounted in the first region to allow the sludge to flow into the firstfilter therethrough; a second flow path mounted in the second region toreceive an effluent having passed through the first filter; a third flowpath connected to the second flow path to discharge the effluent fromthe fine particle separating apparatus therethrough; a fourth flow pathconnected to one side of the second flow path and mounted in the secondregion to allow at least a portion of the effluent flowing into thesecond flow path to flow into the first filter therethrough; a fifthflow path mounted in the first region to receive the effluent dischargedfrom the fourth flow and having passed through the first filter; areservoir receiving the effluent discharged from the fifth flow path;and a first pump creating a flow of the effluent, wherein the bladeassembly includes a rotary blade.

Here, the first mesh may have a pore diameter of 40 μm to 1 mm.

In addition, the blade assembly may further include a cleaning brushattached to one side of the blade, wherein the cleaning brush may berotated on the surface of the first mesh upon rotation of the blade.

In addition, a first flow path connection provided to the first regionto allow the first flow path to be connected thereto may have a largerarea than a fourth flow path connection provided to the second region toallow the fourth flow path to be connected thereto.

For example, the first pump may be disposed on at least one of the firstto fifth flow paths.

Here, the first pump may be disposed on at least a portion of the secondflow path.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: asecond pump disposed on at least a portion of the fourth flow path.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: asecond pump disposed on at least a portion of the fifth flow path.

In addition, the second flow path may be provided with a samplecollection valve to perform component analysis on the fine particles inthe sludge flowing into the fine particle separating apparatus throughthe first flow path.

In addition, the third flow path may be provided with a samplecollection valve to perform component analysis on the fine particlesdischarged from the fine particle separating apparatus.

For example, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include:a second filter disposed at a side of the second flow path to which thethird flow path is connected, wherein the second filter may include asecond mesh having a pore diameter of 40μm or less.

Here, the second filter may further include a blade assembly, at least aportion of which is rotatably mounted on a surface of the second mesh.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: adetention tank storing the effluent discharged from the second flowpath, wherein the effluent may be allowed to flow into the third flowpath or the fourth flow path from the detention tank

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: athird filter disposed at an entrance of the third flow path to which thedetention tank is connected, wherein the third filter may include athird mesh having a pore diameter of 40 μm or less.

Here, the third filter may further include a blade assembly, at least aportion of which is rotatably mounted on a surface of the third mesh.

For example, the first filter may further include a blade assemblysecured to a surface of the first mesh.

In addition, fine particles contained in the sludge flowing into thefine particle separating apparatus through the first flow path andhaving failed to pass through the first mesh may be forced to flow intothe reservoir by hydraulic pressure of the effluent flowing into thefirst filter through the fourth flow path.

Here, the fine particles may include a colony of algae.

Here, the algae may include at least one selected from the groupconsisting of Microcystis, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, and Aphanizomenon.

The reservoir may include a fourth mesh having a pore diameter of 1 μmto 40 μm such that the colony of algae is filtered out through thefourth mesh and purified water is discharged from the reservoir.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a fine particle separating system including the fineparticle separating apparatus set forth above.

Here, fine particles contained in the sludge flowing into the fineparticle separating apparatus through the first flow path and havingfailed to pass through the first mesh may be forced to flow into thereservoir by hydraulic pressure of the effluent flowing into the firstfilter through the fourth flow path.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a fine particle separating apparatus including: afirst filter including a first mesh separating fine particles containedin sludge according to size, the first filter having a first region anda second region with the first mesh placed therebetween; a first flowpath mounted in the first region to allow the sludge to flow into thefirst filter therethrough; a sixth flow path mounted at both endsthereof in the second region to receive the effluent having passedthrough the first filter and to allow the effluent to flow back into thefirst filter therethrough; a fifth flow path mounted in the first regionto receive the effluent discharged from the sixth flow path and havingpassed through the first filter; a reservoir receiving the effluentdischarged from the fifth flow path; and a first pump creating a flow ofthe effluent, wherein the first mesh is rotatably mounted on the firstfilter.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a fine particle separating apparatus including: afirst filter including a first mesh separating fine particles containedin sludge according to size and a blade assembly rotatably mounted on asurface of the first mesh, the first filter having a first region and asecond region with the first mesh placed therebetween; a first flow pathmounted in the first region to allow the sludge to flow into the firstfilter therethrough; a sixth flow path mounted at both ends thereof inthe second region to receive the effluent having passed through thefirst filter and to allow the effluent to flow back into the firstfilter therethrough; a fifth flow path mounted in the first region andadapted to receive the effluent discharged from the sixth flow path andhaving passed through the first filter; a reservoir receiving theeffluent discharged from the fifth flow path; and a first pump creatinga flow of the effluent, wherein the blade assembly includes a rotaryblade.

Here, the reservoir may include: a first reservoir storing the effluentdischarged from the fifth flow path; and a second reservoir storing theeffluent with the fine particles separated therefrom in the firstreservoir, wherein the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude; a fourth filter separating the fine particles contained in thefirst reservoir according to size.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: aseventh flow path adapted to discharge the effluent from the firstreservoir to the second reservoir therethrough.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: afourth pump mounted on at least a portion of the seventh flow path tocreate a flow of the effluent.

In addition, the fine particle separating apparatus set forth above mayfurther include: a separation tank connected to the third flow path toseparate and store particles having passed through the first mesh.

Here, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include: asixth filter provided to the separation tank, wherein the sixth filtermay include a sixth mesh having a pore diameter of 10 μm or less.

In addition, the fine particle separating apparatus set forth above mayfurther include: a fifth filter provided to the reservoir, wherein thefifth filter may include a fifth mesh having a pore diameter notallowing passage of particles having failed to pass through the firstmesh.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus according toone exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fine particle separating apparatus includes afirst flow path 11, a first filter 100, a second flow path 12, a thirdflow path 13, a fourth flow path 14, a fifth flow path 15, a reservoir1, and a first pump 10.

The first flow path 11 allows sludge containing fine particles to flowinto the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 therethrough, and may beconnected at one end thereof to the first region 180 a, 280 a, 380 a,480 a, 580 a or 680 a of the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400. Here,the first flow path 11 may be connected to a separate reactor, or mayreceive an effluent directly from a river or the sea.

The first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 includes a housing 110, 510 or 610including a first mesh 120 or 220 separating the fine particlescontained in the sludge, in which the housing has the first region 180a, 280 a, 380 a, 480 a, 580 a or 680 a and a second region 180 b, 280 b,380 b, 480 b, 580 b or 680 b with the first mesh 120 or 220 placedtherebetween. Details of the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 will bedescribed further below.

The second flow path 12 is a place into which the effluent having passedthrough the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 flows, and may beconnected at one end thereof to the second region 180 b, 280 b, 380 b,480 b, 580 b or 680 b of the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400. Here,the second flow path 12 may be connected to: the third flow path 13adapted to discharge the effluent from the fine particle separatingapparatus therethrough; and the fourth flow path 14 adapted to returnthe effluent to the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 therethrough.

The third flow path 13 allows the effluent having passed through thefirst filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 to be discharged from the fineparticle separating apparatus therethrough, in which the effluent may bedischarged to a separate separation tank 5 or storage, or may bedischarged directly to a river or the sea. The separation tank 5 will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 17.

The fourth flow path 14 is a place into which the effluent having passedthrough the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 flows through the secondflow path 12, and may be connected to the second region 180 b, 280 b,380 b, 480 b, 580 b or 680 b of the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400.That is, the fourth flow path 14 may be connected to the region of thefirst filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 to which the second flow path 12 isconnected, whereby hydraulic pressure can be applied from the fourthflow path 14 in an opposite direction to hydraulic pressure applied fromthe first flow path to the first mesh 120 or 220 of the first filter100, 200, 300 or 400. In this way, fine particles clogging pores of thefirst mesh 120 or 220 can be discharged through the fifth flow pathdescribed below by hydraulic pressure of the effluent flowing into thefirst filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 through the fourth flow path 14.

The fifth flow path 15 is a place into which the effluent flowing intothe first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 through the fourth flow path 14flows, and may be connected to the first region 180 a, 280 a, 380 a, 480a, 580 a or 680 a of the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400, whereby fineparticles clogging the first mesh 120 or 220 can be separated from thefirst mesh 120 or 220 to flow into the fifth flow path 15 by hydraulicpressure of a fluid flowing through the fourth flow path 14, asdescribed above.

The reservoir 1 is a place to which the effluent flowing into the fifthflow path 15 is discharged, and may store fine particles to beseparated. For example, the reservoir 1 may store algae and the like. Inaddition, the reservoir 1 may contain chemicals capable of eliminatingthe algae through biological reaction or may be provided therein with aUV-C emission device to eliminate microorganisms that causecontamination in rivers and the like. The reservoir 1 may furtherinclude a first reservoir 3 and a second reservoir 4 described below.

The first pump 10 forces the effluent to flow into the first filter 100,200, 300, or 400 through the first flow path 11, circulates the effluentthrough the fine particle separating apparatus, and provides hydraulicpressure to discharge the effluent from the first filter 100, 200, 300or 400 through the fifth flow path 15 or to discharge the effluent fromthe fine particle separating apparatus through the third flow path 13.The first pump 10 may be disposed on at least one of the first to fifthflow paths 11 to 15, For example, the first pump may be disposed on atleast a portion of the second flow path 12.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are exploded perspective views of a first filteraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first filter 100 may include a housing 110, afirst mesh cover 130, and a first mesh 120. The first mesh cover 130 mayinclude a pair of first mesh covers facing each other with the firstmesh 120 placed therebetween. Here, the first mesh cover may be providedwith a first mesh cover cap 140 passing through a first mesh centergroove 121 and a first mesh cover center groove 131, in which the firstmesh cover cap 140 itself may be rotated or the first mesh 120 may berotated on a surface of the first mesh cover cap 140. Here, the firstmesh 120 may be provided in the form of a fan that is rotatable byhydraulic pressure of the effluent.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first filter 300 is provided with a separatepower source capable of rotating the first mesh 220. For example, afirst mesh center groove 221 shaped to be engaged with a gear of a motor60 may be provided such that the first mesh 220 can be rotated by themotor 60.

That is, the fine particle separating apparatus according to the presentinvention can automatically rotate the first mesh 120 or 220 byhydraulic pressure of the effluent, or can rotate the first mesh 120 or220 using the power source, whereby fine particles clogging the pores ofthe first mesh 120 or 220 can be effectively separated from the firstmesh 120 or 220 and discharged to the reservoir through the fifth flowpath 15.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are exploded perspective views of a first filteraccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

The first filter 100 or 300 described above with reference to FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 includes the first mesh 120 or 220 configured to be rotatable,whereas the first filter 200 or 400 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 includesa blade assembly 150 or 250, at least a portion of which is rotatablymounted on a surface of the first mesh 120.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the blade assembly 150 or 250 mayinclude a first mesh cover cap 240 or 440 passing through the first mesh120, a blade 160 or 260 disposed on the surface of the first mesh 120,and a cleaning brush 170 or 270 attached to one side of the blade 160 or260, in which the cleaning brush 170 or 270 may be rotated on onesurface of the first mesh 120 upon rotation of the blade 160 or 260.Here, the blade assembly 150 or 250 may be automatically rotated byhydraulic pressure, as shown in FIG. 4, or may be rotated by the motor60, as shown in FIG. 5.

Although the shape of the blade 160 or 260 is not particularlyrestricted, the blade 160 or 260 may be an axial blade 160 or 260 inwhich sludge flow-in direction corresponds to sludge flow-out direction.Thus, the blade 160 or 260 may be rotated by hydraulic pressure appliedfrom the first flow path 11 without using any separate power unit forrotating the blade 160 or 260, as shown in FIG. 4, or may be driven bythe motor 60, as shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, theblade 160 or 260 may include one to four blades, without being limitedthereto.

When the blade 160 or 260 is rotated, the cleaning brush 170 or 270 isrotated on the surface of the first mesh 120 to sweep fine particles outof the pores of the first mesh 120, whereby the swept fine particles canbe discharged to the reservoir 1 by hydraulic pressure applied from thefourth flow path 14 after being drawn into a vortex inside the housing110 of the first filter.

That is, with the blade assembly 150 or 250, at least a portion of whichis rotated on the surface of the first mesh 120, the fine particleseparating apparatus can effectively sweep fine particles out of thepores of the first mesh 120 and discharge the swept fine particles tothe reservoir 1 through the fifth flow path 15 by hydraulic pressureapplied from the fourth flow path 14 to the first filter 200 or 400.

The first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 may further include a bladeassembly 150 or 250 secured to the surface of the first mesh 120. Thatis, with the blade assembly 150 or 250 secured to the first mesh 120which is configured to be rotatable, as described above with referenceto FIGS. 2 to 3, the fine particle separating apparatus can moreefficiently remove fine particles from the pores of the first mesh 120and discharge the removed fine particles through the fifth flow path 15.

Here, the first mesh 120 or 220 may have a pore diameter of 40 μm to 1mm. Examples of harmful blue-green algae, a main cause of waterpollution, include Microcystis, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, andAphanizomenon. It is known that Microcystis is composed of a sphericalor elliptical single cell having a length of 4 μm to 8 μm, Anabaena iscomposed of a spherical or elliptical single cell having a length of 7μm to 15 μm, Oscillatoria is composed of a cylindrical single cellhaving a length of 2.5 μm to 4 μm and a diameter of 4 μm to 6 μm, andAphanizomenon is composed of a cylindrical single cell having a lengthof 5 μm to 15 μm and a diameter of 4 μm to 6 μm. However, these harmfulblue-green algae can form a colony, which is known to have a size of atleast 60 μm. Depending on underwater environments, colonies ofblue-green algae having a size of greater than 8 mm are also found.Thus, the mesh 120 or 220 according to the present invention preferablyhas a pore diameter of 40 μm to 1 mm so as to prevent reduction inefficiency in separation of fine particles due to excessively large porediameter while preventing hindrance to a flow of a fluid due toexcessively small pore diameter.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are views of a housing of the first filter accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a first flow path connection 111 formedon the housing 510 or 610 to allow the first flow path to be connectedthereto may have a larger area than a fourth flow path connection 114formed on the housing 510 or 610 to allow the fourth flow path to beconnected thereto. In this way, the fourth flow path 14 has a smallerflow area and thus a higher effluent pressure than the first flow path11, whereby a continuous process for fine particle separating can bedriven without supplying an excess of power to the pump.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 15 are diagrams of fine particle separating apparatusesaccording to other embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the fine particle separating apparatusmay further include a sample collection valve 70. The sample collectionvalve 70 is provided to perform component analysis on fine particles inthe effluent passing through the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400, forexample, to detect the presence of pollutants, the presence of algaecolonies or the kind thereof, and the presence of elemental metals. Forexample, the sample collection valve 70 may be mounted on the secondflow path 12 to perform component analysis on fine particles in thesludge flowing into the fine particle separating apparatus through thefirst flow path 11, or may be mounted on the third flow path 13 toperform component analysis on fine particles discharged from the fineparticle separating apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 10, the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude a second filter 40 disposed at a side of the second flow path 12to which the third flow path 13 is connected, in which the second filter40 may include a second mesh having a pore diameter of 40 μm or less,for example 1 μm to 40 μm, to prevent fine particles from beingdischarged from the fine particle separating apparatus. Here, the secondmesh may have the same configuration as the first mesh 120 or 220described above.

For example, the second mesh may have a pore diameter of 10 μm or less.Microalgae are known to have a size or length of 10 μm. Thus, purifiedwater with microalgae removed therefrom can be discharged through thethird flow path 13 by filtering out the microalgae through the secondmesh. The fine particle separating apparatus according to the presentinvention allows relatively large particles in the effluent to befiltered out through the first mesh and discharged to the reservoir 1while allowing the effluent to smoothly pass through the first filter100, 200, 300, or 400. If the first mesh has a pore diameter of 10 μm orless, it is difficult for the effluent to smoothly pass through thefirst filter 100, 200, 300, or 400. Accordingly, the fine particleseparating apparatus can more efficiently purify the effluent whilemaintaining a smooth flow of the effluent by disposing the first meshhaving a pore diameter of 40 μm to 1 mm at the first filter 100, 200,300 or 400 and setting the pore diameter of the second mesh to 10 μm orless.

In addition, the second filter 40 may include a blade assembly 150 or250, at least a portion of which is rotatably mounted on a surface ofthe second mesh, in which the blade assembly 150 or 250 may include afirst mesh cover cap 240 or 440, a blade 160 or 260, and a cleaningbrush 170 or 270 attached to one side of the blade 160 or 260, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Here, the cleaningbrush 170 or 270 may be rotated on one surface of the first mesh 120upon rotation of the blade 160 or 260.

In this way, the fine particle separating apparatus can prevent fineparticles in the effluent passing through the first filter 100, 200, 300or 400 from being discharged from the fine particle separating apparatusthrough the third flow path 13 while preventing the pores of the secondmesh form being clogged by fine particles and the like with the help ofthe blade assembly 150 or 250 mounted on the second filter 40.

Referring to FIG. 11, the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude a detention tank 2 storing the effluent discharged from thesecond flow path 12, in which the detention tank 2 may be connected tothe third flow path 13 and the fourth flow path 14. In addition,referring to FIG. 12, the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude a third filter 50 disposed at an entrance of the third flow pathto which the detention tank 2 is connected, in which the third filter 50may include a third mesh having a pore diameter of 40 μm or less, forexample, 1 μm to 40 μm. For example, the third mesh may have a porediameter of 10 μm or less, and may be configured as described aboverelating to the second mesh. Alternatively, the third filter 50 may havethe same configuration as the first mesh 120 or 220 described above.Here, the third filter 50 may further include a blade assembly 150 or250, at least a portion of which is rotatably mounted on a surface ofthe third mesh, in which the blade assembly 150 or 250 may be configuredas described above with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

In this way, the fine particle separating apparatus allows the effluentto be retained in the detention tank 2 before being discharged from thefine particle separating apparatus through the third flow path 13,whereby, among the fine particles passing through the first filter 100,200, 300 or 400, fine particles which are not desirable to directlydischarge from the fine particle separating apparatus can beprecipitated or secondarily filtered out through the third filter 50,thereby improving efficiency in separating fine particles in theeffluent flowing into the fine particle separating apparatus through thefirst flow path 11.

Referring to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the fine particle separating apparatusmay further include an additional pump other than the first pump 10.Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the fine particle separating apparatusmay further include a second pump 20 disposed on the fourth flow path 14and/or the fifth flow path 15 to increase hydraulic pressure applied tothe first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400, thereby efficiently removing fineparticles from the pores of the first mesh 120 or 220 and dischargingthe removed fine particles to the fifth flow path 15. Referring to FIG.15, the fine particle separating apparatus may further include a thirdpump 30 disposed on the third flow path 13 to discharge the effluentwith fine particles removed therefrom to a remote place outside the fineparticle separating apparatus. In addition, referring to FIG. 23, thefine particle separating apparatus may further include a detention tank2 storing the effluent discharged from the second flow path 12, in whichthe detention tank 2 may be connected to the third flow path 13 and thefourth flow path 14.

FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary use of the fine particle separatingapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The fine particle separating apparatus according to the presentinvention may be installed on the water or on the ground. The fineparticle separating apparatus may be installed near an underwaterenvironment in which algae colonies are formed, as shown in FIG. 16. Thefine particle separating apparatus forces sludge to flow into the firstfilter 100, 200, 300 or 400 through the through the first flow path 11using the first pump 10 and forces an effluent with algae coloniesseparated therefrom by the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 to flowinto the second flow path 12 and to be discharged from the fine particleseparating apparatus through the third flow path 13. At the same time,the fine particle separating apparatus forces the effluent flowing intothe second flow path 12 to flow back into the first filter 100, 200, 300or 400 through the fourth flow path 14, whereby the algae coloniesflowing into the first filter 100, 200, 300 or 400 through the firstflow path 11 and having clogged the pores of the first mesh 120 or 220can be separated from the pores of the first mesh 120 or 220 anddischarged to the fifth flow path 15. The effluent discharged to thefifth flow path 15 is then discharged to the reservoir 1, which, inturn, may allow the algae colonies to be directly removed from theeffluent therein or may send the effluent to another place for removalof the algae colonies.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude a separation tank 5 connected to the third flow path 13. Theseparation tank 5 serves to allow particles having passed through thefirst mesh 120 or 220 to be separated without being returned to thereservoir 1. For example, upon collecting only fine sand from the sea orupon collecting precious metals in the sand along with the sand, thefine particle separating apparatus allows large particles a havingfailed to pass through the first mesh 120 or 220 to be discharged to thereservoir 1 and allows fine particles b having passed through the firstmesh 120 or 220 to be separately sent to the separation tank 5, therebyefficiently separating the fine particles b without damage to the firstpump 10 due to the large particles a.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

The fine particle separating apparatus of FIG. 18 is substantially thesame as the fine particle separating apparatus of FIG. 17 except forfurther including a sixth filter 82. The sixth filter 82 may include asixth mesh. The sixth mesh may have a pore size of 40 μm or less, forexample, 1 μm to 40 μm, for example, 10 μm or less. The sixth mesh mayhave the same configuration as the second mesh.

Recently, microalgae, which are commonly known to have a size or lengthof 10 μm, have been spotlighted as a biofuel material. However, typicaltechnologies have difficulty in separating microalgae from variousspecies of algae present in mixed form. However, the fine particleseparating apparatus according to this embodiment allows algae having alarge particle size to be filtered out through the first filter 100,200, 300 or 400 and to be discharged to the reservoir 1, and allowsmicroalgae to be sent to the separation tank 5 to be filtered outthrough the sixth filter 82.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a fine particle separating apparatus accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the fine particle separating apparatus accordingto this embodiment is substantially the same as the fine particleseparating apparatuses described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG.16 except for further including a fifth filter 81 provided to thereservoir 1. The fifth filter 81 serves to filter out particlescontained in the reservoir 1 such that, for example, only purified watercan be discharged from the fine particle separating apparatus. Here, thepurified water may be discharged to a reactor connected to the firstflow path 11 or to a separate reactor not connected to the first flowpath 11, or may be discharged directly to a river or the sea. The fifthfilter 81 may include a fifth mesh having a pore diameter not allowingpassage of particles clogging the pores of the first mesh 120 or 220,for example, algae colonies. For example, the fifth mesh may have a porediameter of less than 1 mm.

FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 are diagrams of fine particle separating apparatusesaccording to yet other embodiments of the present invention.

The fine particle separating apparatuses of FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 aresubstantially the same as the fine particle separating apparatus setforth above except that the third flow path 13 adapted to discharge theeffluent from the fine particle separating apparatus therethrough isomitted and the effluent having passed through the first filter 100,200, 300 or 400 is allowed to flow back into the first filter 100, 200,300 or 400 through a sixth flow path 16.

Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the fine particle separating apparatusmay include a first flow path 11, a first filter 100, 200, 300, or 400,a sixth flow path 16, a fifth flow path 15, and a reservoir 1. The firstfilter 100, 200, 300 or 400 may be configured in the same manner as inthe above embodiments. In addition, a first pump 10 as described abovemay be provided to the fine particle separating apparatus, in which thefirst pump may be positioned in the same manner as in the aboveembodiments. For example, the first pump 10 may be disposed on at leasta portion of the sixth flow path 16, as shown in FIG. 20, or may bedisposed on at least a portion of the fifth flow path 15, as shown inFIG. 21.

The reservoir 1 may include a first reservoir 3 storing the effluentdischarged from the fifth flow path 15 and a second reservoir 4 storingthe effluent with fine particles separated therefrom in the firstreservoir 3. Although a way of connecting the first reservoir 3 to thesecond reservoir 4 is not particularly limited, the first reservoir 3may be connected to the second reservoir 4 via a seventh flow path 17,as shown in FIG. 20 to FIG. 21.

The fine particle separating apparatus may further include a fourthfilter 80 separating fine particles contained in the first reservoir 3according to size, in which the fourth filter 80 may be mounted on ahole of the first reservoir 3 to which the seventh flow path isconnected, may be mounted on at least a portion of the seventh flow path17, or may be mounted on a hole of the second reservoir 4 to which theseventh flow path 17 is connected. The fourth filter 80 may include afourth mesh having a pore diameter of 40 μm or less, for example, 1 μmto 40 μm, as described above, in which the fourth mesh may be configuredas described above relating to the second mesh. In addition, the fineparticle separating apparatus may further include a blade assembly 150or 250 rotatably mounted on a surface of the fourth mesh. Alternatively,the fourth mesh may have the same configuration as the first mesh 120 or220.

Referring to FIG. 22, the fine particle separating apparatus may furtherinclude a fourth pump 90 mounted on at least a portion of the seventhflow path 17 to create a flow of the effluent. That is, the fineparticle separating apparatus can filter out fine particles in the firstreservoir 3, for example, colonies of algae, through fourth filter 80and can then discharge the purified effluent to the second reservoir 4.Here, the first reservoir 3 may be further provided with a separate fineparticle removal device as described above.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to someembodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it should beunderstood that the foregoing embodiments are provided for illustrationonly and are not to be in any way construed as limiting the presentinvention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should bedefined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: Reservoir 2: Detention tank 3: First reservoir 4: Second reservoir 5:Separation tank a: Large particles b: Fine particles 10: First pump 20:Second pump 30: Third pump 40: Second filter 50: Third filter 60: Motor70: Sample collection valve 80: Fourth filter 81: Fifth filter 82: Sixthfilter 90: Fourth pump 11: First flow path 12: Second flow path 13:Third flow path 14: Fourth flow path 15: Fifth flow path 16: Sixth flowpath 17: Seventh flow path 100, 200, 300, 400: First filter 110, 510,610: Housing 120, 220: First mesh 121, 221: First mesh center groove130: First mesh cover 131: First mesh cover center groove 140, 240, 340,440: First mesh cover cap 111: First flow path connection 112: Secondflow path connection 114: Fourth flow path connection 115: Fifth flowpathconnection 150, 250: Blade assembly 160, 260: Blade 170, 270:Cleaning brush 180a, 280a, 380a, 480a, 580a, 680a: First region 180b,280b, 380b, 480b, 580b, 680b: Second region

1. A fine particle separating apparatus comprising: a first filtercomprising a first mesh configured to separate fine particles containedin sludge according to size, the first filter having a first region anda second region with the first mesh placed therebetween; a first flowpath mounted in the first region and configured to allow the sludge toflow therethrough into the first filter; a second flow path mounted inthe second region and configured to receive an effluent after theeffluent passes through the first filter; a third flow path connected tothe second flow path and configured to discharge the effluenttherethrough; a fourth flow path connected to one side of the secondflow path and mounted in the second region to allow at least a portionof the effluent flowing into the second flow path to flow therethroughinto the first filter; a fifth flow path mounted in the first region toreceive the effluent discharged from the fourth flow path after theeffluent passes through the first filter; a reservoir receiving theeffluent discharged from the fifth flow path; and a first pumpconfigured to create a flow of the effluent, wherein the first mesh isrotatably mounted on the first filter.
 2. The particle separatingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first filter furthercomprises a blade assembly passing through at least a portion of thefirst mesh, wherein at least portion of the blade assembly is rotatablymounted on a surface of the first mesh.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the bladeassembly comprises a blade and a cleaning brush attached to one side ofthe blade, the cleaning brush configured to rotate on the surface of thefirst mesh upon rotation of the blade.
 5. The fine particle separatingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first flow pathconnection in the first region of the first filter having a first areaand being configured to be connected to the first flow path; and asecond flow path connection in the second region of the first filterhaving a second area and being configured to be connected to the fourthflow path, wherein the first area is greater than the second area. 6-7.(canceled)
 8. The fine particle separating apparatus according to claim5, further comprising: a second pump disposed in at least a portion ofone of the fourth or fifth flow paths.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondflow path or the third flow path further comprises a sample collectionvalve configured to perform component analysis on the fine particles inthe sludge.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The fine particle separating apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a second filter disposedbetween the second flow path and the third flow path, the second filtercomprising a second mesh having a pore diameter of 40 μm or less. 13.The fine particle separating apparatus according to claim 12, whereinthe second filter further comprises a blade assembly, at least a portionof which is rotatably mounted on a surface of the second mesh.
 14. Thefine particle separating apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a detention tank configured to store the effluent dischargedfrom the second flow path, wherein the effluent flows into the thirdflow path or the fourth flow path from the detention tank; and a thirdfilter disposed at an entrance of the third flow path to which thedetention tank is connected, the third filter comprising a third meshhaving a pore diameter of 40 μm or less.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the thirdfilter further comprises a blade assembly, at least a portion of whichis rotatably mounted on a surface of the third mesh.
 17. (canceled) 18.The fine particle separating apparatus according to claim 1, whereinfine particles contained in the sludge flowing through the first flowpath that to pass through the first mesh are forced to flow into thereservoir by hydraulic pressure of the effluent flowing into the firstfilter through the fourth flow path. 19-20. (canceled)
 21. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 18, wherein thereservoir comprises a fourth mesh having a pore diameter of 1 μm to 40μm such that the fourth mesh is configured to filter out algae andpurified water is discharged from the reservoir. 22-23. (canceled)
 24. Afine particle separating apparatus comprising: a first filter comprisinga first mesh separating fine particles contained in sludge according tosize, the first filter having a first region and a second region withthe first mesh placed therebetween; a first flow path mounted in thefirst region and configured to allow the sludge to flow therethroughinto the first filter; a second flow path mounted at both ends thereofin the second region configured to receive an effluent from the firstfilter and configured to allow the effluent to flow therethrough backinto the first filter; a third flow path mounted in the first regionconfigured to receive the effluent discharged from the second flow path;a reservoir receiving the effluent discharged from the third flow path;and a first pump configured to create a flow of the effluent, whereinthe first mesh is rotatably mounted on the first filter.
 25. Theparticle separating apparatus of claim 24, wherein the first filterfurther comprises a blade assembly passing through at least a portion ofthe first mesh, wherein at least a portion of the blade assembly isrotatably mounted on a surface of the first mesh.
 26. The fine particleseparating apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the reservoirfurther comprises a first reservoir configured to store the effluentdischarged from the third flow path and a second reservoir configured tostore the effluent with the fine particles separated therefrom in thefirst reservoir, the fine particle separating apparatus furthercomprising: a second filter configured to separate the fine particlescontained in the first reservoir according to size.
 27. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising:a fourth flow path adapted to discharge the effluent from the firstreservoir to the second reservoir therethrough.
 28. The fine particleseparating apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: a secondpump mounted on at least a portion of the fourth flow path andconfigured to create a flow of the effluent.
 29. The fine particleseparating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: aseparation tank connected to the third flow path configured to separateand store particles passing through the first mesh.
 30. The fineparticle separating apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:a fourth filter provided at the separation tank and comprising a fourthmesh having a pore diameter of 10 μm or less.
 31. The fine particleseparating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fifthfilter provided at the reservoir and comprising a fifth mesh having apore diameter configured to prevent passage of particles through thefifth mesh that failed to pass through the first mesh.
 32. (canceled)